Operation Snapper, which will take place during the school summer holiday period, will see a dedicated team of officers targeting hot-spot public areas to confiscate alcohol from underage drinkers.

All alcohol seized by officers will be destroyed, and any underage drinker caught by police may be liable for prosecution. Adults detected purchasing or supplying alcohol for use by juveniles can also expect to be prosecuted.

Launching Operation Snapper, PSNI Area Commander Paula Hilman commented: "Underage drinking often leads to criminal damage, assault and fear of crime for residents in areas subject to this kind of anti-social behaviour. It presents a significant issue to our local community.

"We want to send a message to those juveniles who drink in public areas and exhibit anti-social behaviour that this will not be tolerated."

The Chief Inspector added: "I know, however, that the issues surrounding underage drinking are not just confined to the school holiday period. After this operation ends, we will continue to work with the local community and schools to increase awareness of this issue and tackle the associated anti-social behaviour that it causes."

Throughout Operation SNAPPER - an acronym for Support No Alcohol in Public Places through Partnership, Enforcement and Regulation - police officers will be encouraging young people to take part in diversionary activities organised by the local NIO Community Safety Partnership and District Policing Partnership (DPP).

"It is clear that much crime arises as a result of drinking alcohol, particularly among young people, so it is very important that the law is enforced rigorously. I hope we will get the co-operation of parents in this campaign as some parents don't know where their children are at nights and what they're getting up to and that's when they can fall prey to alcohol and the abuse of alcohol," said DPP Chairman Tom Campbell.

"Underage binge drinking is a leading factor in anti-social behaviour. It has a severe impact on the whole community in that the consequences are an increase in criminal damage and crimes against the person. I support this action being taken by the police to tackle underage drinking and its effects," added Glengormley councillor Nigel Hamilton.

In 2006 a survey carried out for DPPs across Northern Ireland revealed that 42 per cent of the population believe underage drinking to be the biggest problem to policing in their area.